Flock Audio Patch XT User manual

USER MANUAL
V.1.3.1
JANUARY 11, 2023

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTSPATCHXT MANUAL
Thank you from Flock Audio………………………………………………..……………..3
Introduction to the PATCH XT System..……………………..………………..………….4
Important Safety Notices…………….………………………..………………..………….5
What's in the Box...…….………………………..……………..………………..………….6
Front Panel Identifications……..……………..……………………..……………….…….7
Rear Panel Identifications……….……………..…………..………..……………….…….8
Rear Panel Cable Connections………………………………..………………..………….9
Hardware Chassis Measurements……………………………..………………..………..10
The PATCH APP Overview.........................................................................................11
Hardware Setup Menu..............................................................................................12
Active Routings Section............................................................................................13
Understanding Signal Paths......................................................................................14
Understanding Path Multing.....................................................................................15
User Operation Instructions......................................................................................16
Routing Examples (Part 1).........................................................................................17
Routing Examples (Part 2).........................................................................................18
Routing Examples (Part 3).........................................................................................19
Front Inputs & Outputs…….....………………………………..………………..………..20
Multiple Unit Setup....................................................................................................21
Front Panel LED Indicator.......................……………………..………………..………..22
Installing New Firmware….......………………………………..………………..………..23
Troubleshooting…...................………………………………..………………..………..24
Software & System Requirements……………...………..……………………..………..25
User Notices & Warranty…......……………………………..…………………..………..26
End…........................................………….……………………………………..………..27 Certifications:

3THANK YOU FROM FLOCK AUDIO
THANK YOU
Where do I begin to start by saying Thank you for your support…
I started working on a conceptual design known as “PATCH” in early 2016 when I decided to
leave my stable career and chose to pursue the path less travelled of designing and developing a
better & more efficient process for professional audio recording engineers in the depths of my
basement home recording studio.
In need of a better solution other than the available 1870’s technology known as a traditional
patch bay, the concept was born to create a fully digitally controlled but 100% analog circuit
routing system that wouldn’t color or alter the audio signals passing through it.
After 2 years of strenuous work and constant focus, Flock Audio the company I started, created
the worlds first and most advanced digitally controlled analog audio routing system with features
never before possible in conventional analog audio routing.
I’m honoured to have so many customers believe in what Flock Audio stands for…Innovations
above Expectations. We have an incredible team of professionals from engineers, software
developers & everyone in-house who helped create this one of kind piece of professional audio
history.
We look forward to providing the pro audio world with more innovations and excellent service to
help assist aspiring and seasoned professionals to create masterpieces for years to come.
Thank you again for choosing to make Flock Audio a part of your professional audio identity.
Darren Nakonechny
(CEO/Director/Founder)
Sincerely,
Thank you…
PATCHXT MANUAL

4INTRODUCTION TO THE PATCHXT SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
The Flock Audio PATCH XT System is a digitally controlled, 100%
analog audio patch bay routing system. A combination of
Software known as the PATCH APP and a 192 Point Connection
PATCH XT Hardware component allows users to easily route and
control analog audio routings without having to resort to the use
of manual patch cables.
The PATCH APP software application (OSX & Windows
Compatible) is designed with familiarity in mind. PATH’s in the
application represent audio signal flows from top to bottom.
Signal flows are divided up into single vertical columns allowing
users to drag + drop available analog audio equipment connected
to the PATCH XT’s Hardware component. This analog audio
equipment is cataloged in the Hardware Index located to the left
side of the PATCH APP.
The PATCH XT Hardware component is a 3U rack mountable unit
that acts as the centrepiece hub of an audio equipment
processing setup. Utilizing digital control over analog audio
signals is what makes the PATCH XT System unique and unlike
anything else in the audio industry.
This manual with go more in-depth into the functions, features
and recommended usage of the Flock Audio PATCH XT System.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PATCHXT SYSTEM…
PATCHXT MANUAL

5IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICES
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICES
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICES
To avoid risk of electric shock, injury or death, it is recommended to never
attempt to self-service a Flock Audio PATCH XT System. There are no self
repairable or removable parts in the system. If your Flock Audio PATCH XT
System requires repairs, please contact our support center to arrange for a
Flock Audio Certified Repair Technician. (www.flockaudio.com/support)
#1. Do Not Self-Service
To avoid risk of damage to your PATCH XT System, avoid having liquids &/
or spills near your PATCH XT System. If accidental spill occurs, safely shut
off your PATCH XT System using the front power button, unplug the wall
outlet. Once completed please contact Flock Audio Support to arrange for
a Certified Repair Technician to remove and repair if required.
#2. Avoid Liquid &/or Spills
Proper mount spacing and rack mount ventilation is required to ensure your
Flock Audio PATCH XT System does not overheat. It is recommended that
the rear of the rack is open for proper ventilation and that the user DOES
NOT mount the PATCH XT System above any tube related audio
equipment. If necessary, there should be a 1/2 - 1U Rack Space between
the PATCH XT System and any warm or tube related audio equipment to
avoid unexpected shutdowns or internal damage.
#3. Proper Rack mount Ventilation Requirements
It is recommended that you always use a properly shielded and grounded
IEC Power Cable (110V/220V) with your PATCH XT System. The Chassis is
designed to work with the earth ground inside the box for both a safe &
quiet audio operation. Never remove or use a IEC cable accessory without
the grounding pin.
#4. Use Properly Grounded IEC Power Cables
Although no damage or immediate danger will occur if 48V Phantom Power
is engaged on a preamp connected to the Input of the PATCH XT System, it
is not recommended to leave that 48V source active for a lengthly period of
time. The PATCH XT System is equipped with its own 48V capabilities and
once it detects an externally connected active 48V source, it will prompt the
user both in the PATCH APP & Multi-Purpose LED on the Hardware to
disable it.
#5. External 48V Phantom Power (I.E. Connected Preamp)
Never use your Flock Audio PATCH XT System during any electrical or
dangerous lightning storms. Calmly shutdown your System, Unplug the IEC
power cable from the wall outlet or power conditioner until it is safe to
continue use. It is also recommended to keep the system unplugged if not
in use for long extended periods of time.
#6. Discontinue Use During Electrical Storms
Flock Audio Inc. reserves the right to revise or change the information
contained within this manual without notice. All revisions or changes will be
noted by the Version Number located on the front title page of this manual
and the latest digital manual will be provided via web link in the PATCH APP
Software Application.
#7. Disclaimer Notice
#8.Certifications
PATCHXT MANUAL

6WHAT'S IN THE BOX
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE BOX
USB-A TO USB-B (6FT LOCKING) 6 STEP QUICKSTART GUIDE
IEC POWER CABLE
(110V or 220V)
PATCH XT 3U HARDWARE
HARDWARE INDEX
SETUP SHEETS
PATCHXT MANUAL

7FRONT PANEL IDENTIFICATIONS
Front Inputs 95-96!
Neutrik XLR/TRS Combo Jacks
(Activated using Software)
Front Outputs 95-96!
Neutrik XLR Male Jacks
(Activated using Software)
Multi-Purpose LED Indicator!
Blue LED Indicator
(Learn more on Page 33)
Power Toggle Button!
Toggle On/Off Master Power Button
FRONT PANEL
FRONT INDENTIFICATIONS
PATCHXT MANUAL

8REAR PANEL IDENTIFICATIONS
REAR PANEL
IEC Power Connection
Rear Inputs 1-96!
DB-25/D-SUB Connectors
Inputs: 1-8, 9-16, 17-24, 25-32, 33-40, 41-48,
49-56, 57-64, 65-72, 73-80, 81-88, 89-96
(8 Balanced Audio Channels per Connector)
Tascam 25 Pinout Wiring Standard
USB-B Host Connector!
USB-B to USB-A Cable
(USB 2.0 Connection)
Rear Outputs 1-96!
DB-25/D-SUB Connectors
Outputs: 1-8, 9-16, 17-24, 25-32, 33-40, 41-48,
49-56, 57-64, 65-72, 73-80, 81-88, 89-96
(8 Balanced Audio Channels per Connector)
Tascam 25 Pinout Wiring Standard
Inputs & Outputs (95-96)!
Channels 95-96 can be routed to the
Front Panel Inputs & Outputs using the
PATCH APP Software.
REAR INDENTIFICATIONS
IMPORTANT: Always ensure that the Power
Connector is inserted snugly into the Power
Input of the PATCH XT System Hardware. OUTPUT
INPUT
(OUTPUT) FROM PATCH XT TO
(INPUT) OF EXTERNAL GEAR
(OUTPUT) FROM EXTERNAL
GEAR TO (INPUT) OF PATCH XT
NOTE PATCH XT IS DESIGNED WITH A FIXED
PROFESSIONAL LINE LEVEL OF +4 TO WORK IN
ACCORDANCE WITH OTHER INDUSTRY STANDARD
OUTBOARD PROCESSING HARDWARE. WHEN USING
OTHER TYPES OF LEVELS FOR SIGNAL ROUTING, YOU
MAY NEED TO HAVE ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
CONNECTED INLINE.
PROFESSIONAL +4 LINE LEVEL
Ethernet Host Connector!
Category 5 Cable for Long-Distance
Computer Control
INPUTS OUTPUTS
PATCHXT MANUAL

9REAR PANEL CABLE CONNECTIONS
REAR PANEL CABLE CONNECTIONS
IEC Power Cable
(Included In Box)
USB-A To USB-B (Cable)
(6’ USB 2.0 - Cable Included In Box)
(Cable examples courtesy of Pro Audio LA)
DB-25/D-SUB Cable Snakes
(Female/Male XLR & TRS Options Available)
(Cables Not Included)
REAR VIEW
REQUIRED CABLES FOR OPERATION
NOTE INPUTS & OUTPUTS ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE
PATCH XT SYSTEM ARE SEPARATELY DESIGNATED. YOU
CANNOT USE AN OUTPUT AS AN INPUT OR VICE VERSA.
PLEASE ENSURE TO AVOID RISK OR DAMAGE TO THE
PATCH SYSTEM OR OTHER EXTERNAL HARDWARE THAT
IS CONNECTED THAT YOU MAKE THE PROPER
CONNECTIONS ACCORDINGLY. TO LEARN MORE OF
ABOUT PROPERLY CONNECTING EXTERNAL HARDWARE
TO THE PATCH SYSTEM SEE THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
INPUTS & OUTPUTS NOTICE
CONNECTING
PATCH XT TO
EXTERNAL HARDWARE
EXAMPLE.
NOTE ALL EXTERNAL HARDWARE MUST BE
CONNECTED IN THIS METHOD, SHOWN TO THE
LEFT SIDE OF THIS DESCRIPTION.
PATCH XT (OUT) —-> EXTERNAL HARDWARE (IN)
EXTERNAL HARDWARE (OUT) —-> PATCH XT (IN)
OUTPUT
INPUT
(OUTPUT) FROM PATCH XT TO
(INPUT) OF EXTERNAL GEAR
(OUTPUT) FROM EXTERNAL GEAR
TO (INPUT) OF PATCH XT
PATCHXT MANUAL

10 CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
323.9 mm"
12.75 in
133.4 mm"
5.25 in
482.6 mm"
19 in
425 mm"
16.75 in
HARDWARE CHASSIS MEASUREMENTS
FRONT VIEW
REAR VIEW
CHASSIS DIMENSIONS
25 lbs /11.3 kg
(Weight)
482.6 mm"
19 in
133.4 mm"
5.25 in
425 mm"
16.75 in
323.9 mm"
12.75 in
PATCHXT MANUAL